GALLERY: Good vibes all around at BJK Cup Finals welcome reception, team photo shoots

Twelve nations earned tickets to this phase of the competition, which launches Tuesday in Seville with a pair of round robin ties. Defending champion Switzerland meets the Czech Republic, while 2022 runner-up Australia faces Slovenia.

Before the action kicks off, players were welcomed with a reception dinner and took part in team photo shoots at the Estadio de La Cartuja. A look at some of the highlights:

Advertising

Sloane Stephens snaps a selfie with Clervie Ngounoue.

Billie Jean King says hello to Team Spain’s Paula Badosa, Sara Sorribes Tormo and Rebeka Masarova.

Leylah Fernandez stops for a portrait after arriving for the reception.

Advertising

Team Australia was down a pair of team members, as Ellen Perez and Storm Sanders were competing in the doubles event of the WTA Finals.

Caroline Garcia, who helped France win their most recent title in 2019, was among those interviewed Sunday night.

Lucrezia Stefanini, Jasmine Paolini and Lucia Bronzetti have a little fun with Team Italy’s portrait session.

Advertising

Switzerland’s Viktorija Golubic and Jil Teichmann did, too.

Marketa Vondrousova poses for a photo with teammate Linda Noskova, her captain Petr Pala, Conchita Martinez, David Haggerty of the ITF and Billie Jean King on Monday.

The Draw

Group A: Switzerland, Czech Republic, United States

Group B: Australia, Kazakhstan, Slovenia

Group C: Spain, Canada, Poland

Group D: France, Italy, Germany

The winner of each group advances to the semifinals.